When should a parent reach out to book their newborn session & why?

Finding out you're expecting is an exciting whirlwind! There’s so much to plan — doctor’s appointments, baby registries, nursery setups. With everything on your plate, booking a newborn photographer might not be the first thing on your mind. But if you want those sweet, sleepy, curled-up newborn portraits, timing is everything.

Why Booking Early Matters

Back in the day, Dr.s passed out goodie bags when you went in for your first prenatel appointment. It came with a photo studio card for babies up to 6 weeks old, and you'd schedule a session when your baby was four to six weeks old. The photographers were all trained to do the same thing. Same props, same poses, same lighting. The results? Stiff poses, identical setups, and images that lacked the personal touch.

Today, you have endless choices — studio or in-home, digital or printed portraits, lifestyle or posed photography, simplistic or props galore. But with all those options, it’s easy to fill overwhelmed.  This is why you want to look at each photographers work.

You want to reach out to the photographers who specialize in newborn photography. The ones who have experience working with the tiniest of humans. The ones whose photos you see and say OMG I LOVE that, I WANT that on my wall of my baby! Reach out to that photographer first.

Ask questions about their experience, what they provide for the session, where are they located, are family & children welcome, how will your photos be finished, do they edit the photos, etc.  The last question should be about pricing and know that each photographer has a price based on skill and time as well as the cost to keep their business open. But also know what your budget is and know you will get what you pay for in quality.

When should my newborn session take place

There is a very small window of time for true newborn sessions to take place.

Newborn sessions are ideally done between 5-14 days after birth, when babies are still super sleepy and naturally curl up just like they did in the womb. After this, they start stretching out, waking up more, and becoming harder to pose without waking up. If you wait too long, that tiny, fresh newborn look fades quickly and baby will be more awake.

What About NICU Babies?

For babies who spend time in the NICU, this timeline looks a little different. NICU graduates have their newborn session within 14 days of coming home instead of the traditional 5-14 days after birth. This gives them time to adjust while still capturing those precious early moments. A professional photographer experienced with NICU babies will ensure a safe, comfortable session tailored to their needs.

When Should You Book?

The best time to book your session is between 24 and 36 weeks of pregnancy. Many newborn photographers take a limited number of sessions per month to ensure a personalized experience for each family. By securing your spot early, you can relax knowing it’s one less thing to worry about as your due date approaches.

A professional newborn photographer will handle all the details for you — from styling and posing to editing and printing — so all you have to do is show up and soak in the moment.

Time flies in those early weeks, and before you know it, your newborn is already a chubby, giggling six-month-old! Don’t miss the opportunity to capture those fleeting first days — book your newborn session early and treasure those memories forever. 💕

Mindful Light Photography is a Newborn & Family Fine Art Full Service Portrait Studio located in Rocky Mount VA.  We take care of everything from designing your session to delivering your favorite portraits to your home.  Want to know more? Call 540-238-2323